Q&A for How to Assemble a Saxophone

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Question

How far should reed be on the mouthpiece?

PurpleOreo

Community Answer

Put it far enough that you can see about a hair's-width of the mouthpiece at the top of the reed.

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Question

Do I blow out or suck in to make noise?

Community Answer

Blow out! Blowing over a reed causes a certain airflow that makes noise.

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Question

How do you hold the saxophone?

Community Answer

To hold it during assembly, hold it by the bell. To learn how to hold it while playing, consult the Wikihow article "How to Play the Alto Saxophone"

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Question

Once we add the ligature do we have to tighten it?

Nathan.Silva

Community Answer

Yes, but do not over-tighten the ligature, otherwise you'll damage it.

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Question

How do you apply cork grease?

Community Answer

Put a little bit on your finger (do not use too much). And just apply it with your finger all around the specific area needing it, on the saxophone.

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Question

Can I assemble it without cork grease?

Community Answer

I only use cork grease when the pieces are fitting super tightly together, but you can use it as much (or as little) as you want.

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Question

Which way do I put the reed on?

Community Answer

The thick end should be the part held down by the ligature. The thin end should be the part in your mouth.

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Question

There's a little whip in my reed, is that okay?

Community Answer

Yes, it's alright to have a little whip in your reed. But if you can, replace the reed shortly after this occurs.

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Question

How many parts are there to the instrument itself?

Community Answer

For an alto sax, 5 major pieces, the neck strap, mouth piece, neck piece, ligature, and body.

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Question

Does the bell make the sound?

PurpleOreo

Community Answer

The sound travels through the horn and out the bell.

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Question

How do you put the tiny piece on the big piece of the saxophone?

PurpleOreo

Community Answer

The neck fits into the top of the body and can be fastened with the screw near the joint.

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Question

My sax has no sound at all. Did I do something wrong while assembling?

Community Answer

Double check the placement of the reed to make sure it lines up perfectly with the tip of the mouthpiece. If you're still having issues, contact a repair shop to take a look at it.

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Question

How much should I moisten the read

Community Answer

Moisten it for a couple minutes, making sure to moisten it equally on both ends.

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Question

How far in your mouth does the mouthpiece have to be while playing the saxophone

Community Answer

Find the spot where the reed begins to come away from the mouthpiece. That's where you should place your mouth.

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Question

What if I don't make a sound?

Community Answer

Try adjusting how open your throat is. Use warmer air for lower notes & a more constricted throat for higher notes. If you’re doing that and it still won’t work with most notes, you may need to bring it to a repair shop.

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Question

When I'm playing, my ligature and my reed falls out, what can I do?

Community Answer

Tighten them as much as you can. The ligature may be broken, so try buying a new one and see what happens.

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Question

I am starting the sax and cannot get the ligature over the reed and mouthpiece. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

Make sure you are using the right size ligature for your sax, and be sure to loosen the knob before putting it on.

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Question

There is this black thing that blocks the pipe from connecting to the sax. What am I supposed to do?

Community Answer

That is the cap, and it is to keep the sax clean when not in use. Loosen the knob on the right of the cap, counter clockwise, and pull it out. Store it in your case, and put it back in when you are done playing.

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Question

Which way does the reed face?

El

Community Answer

The completely flat side should be touching the mouthpiece, and the chiseled part should be at the top.

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Question

How long does a reed last?

Lilac

Community Answer

It usually depends on how long it is used at a time, how regularly it is used, and how well it is cared for. However, you should be rotating reeds to improve their lifespan.

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Question

How do you line up the mouthpiece on a straight soprano sax?

Lilac

Community Answer

Try to align the mouthpiece so the table is flat with the back of the saxophone.

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